Navigating the Strain: Supporting School Staff Amid Rising Demands in Safeguarding

Last month, the Guardian published an article citing “Safeguarding staff say they can’t get referrals for serious cases and don’t have the expertise to give pupils the help they need” (The Guardian, 2024). Here’s why we’re saddened, but not surprised…

In recent years, there has been a noticeable surge in the demands placed on school staff to safeguard children and young people experiencing domestic abuse and neglect. This uptick in responsibility is occurring against a backdrop of under-resourced children social care departments and a strained healthcare system that simply cannot cope with the rise in mental health concerns in children and young people. As a safeguarding consultant, it's imperative to shed light on these issues and explore potential solutions to support organisations and professionals who work tirelessly to support the youngest members of society.

One significant challenge arises from the complexity of trauma experienced by those who witness or experience domestic violence. Despite being well-intentioned, the reality is that many school staff members are not adequately trained to address such intricate psychological and emotional needs. This isn’t to say that educators cannot support children in crisis. Many do... and they deserve applause for their considerate efforts.

However, we must acknowledge that the complex needs of such children deserve skilled, evidence-based intervention.

In addition, years of study and honing their craft as an educator – not a social worker or clinician, may leave teachers feeling ill-equipped to provide the necessary support and intervention for pupils in need, leading to undeserved feelings of frustration and helplessness. The increased burden of safeguarding duties takes its toll on even the most experienced of school staff, adding to an already heavy workload. This additional strain significantly heightens the risk of burnout among educators and could be part of the reason we saw record numbers of teachers quit the profession last year (Schools Week, 2023).

So, what are the solutions… Unsurprisingly, at a systematic level, there must be a greater investment in social care services. Adequate funding is essential to alleviate the strain on services and ensure that vulnerable children and families receive the support they desperately need. Localised charities and independent support organisations play a crucial role in filling the gaps left by under-resourced statutory services, offering additional assistance and resources to schools and communities; but it’s a lottery. Pot-luck, based on area, needs and many other qualifying criteria.

At a local level, there is a pressing need for better training and support for school staff. Investing in CPD and training that focus on trauma-informed care and effective safeguarding practices is essential. By equipping educators with the necessary knowledge and skills, we empower them to provide more nuanced and impactful support to children and young people. Sharing learning and disseminating resources across the team, can help schools meet this outcome whilst remaining budget conscious.

At SASE Consulting, we’re strong advocates for ensuring that those involved in safeguarding efforts are appropriately supported. That's why we offer reflective supervision services tailored specifically for Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs), school staff, social workers, and safeguarding professionals. Our reflective supervision sessions provide a safe and supportive environment for professionals to process their experiences, explore challenges, and develop effective strategies for supporting vulnerable children and families.

Where formal supervision isn’t attainable, simply providing safe opportunities for staff to speak freely can help combat the dreaded safeguarding flu.

In conclusion, the increasing demands on school staff to support children and young people experiencing domestic abuse and neglect underscore the urgent need for action. By investing in social care services, providing better training and support for staff, and offering reflective supervision opportunities, we can work towards creating a safer and more supportive environment for children and young people.

After all, a good education can change anyone, but a good teacher can change everything.

Remember, at SASE Consulting, we're here to support you every step of the way. Contact us to learn more about our reflective supervision services and how we can assist you in your safeguarding efforts.

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Schools Week (2023) Record rate of teacher departures as 40,000 quit sector last year. Available at: https://schoolsweek.co.uk/record-rate-of-teacher-departures-as-40000-leave-sector-last-year/

House of Commons Library (2023) Teacher recruitment and retention in England. Available at: https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cbp-7222/

The Guardian (2024). Teachers in England left to support at-risk children after social services cuts. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/society/2024/jan/20/teachers-in-england-left-to-support-at-risk-school-children-after-social-services-cuts